The All-Female Punk Rockers Taking Over Manila’s Underground
Flying Ipis isn’t your typical rock band — they’re four unapologetic women with guitars, grit, and a shared mission to make noise that matters. Formed in 2009 in Manila, this all-female Filipino punk rock group crashed into the local scene with their fiery energy and love for raw, garage-rock rebellion.
The lineup — Deng Garcia on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ymi Sy on lead guitar, Iris Jumao-as on bass, and Gaki Azurin on drums — has become an undeniable force in the country’s indie circuit. Together, they channel the spirit of punk with biting humor, fearless lyrics, and a stage presence that’s equal parts chaotic and intoxicating.
Their sound? Loud, fast, and gloriously unfiltered. Blending punk, garage rock, and a dash of alternative grit, Flying Ipis writes songs that celebrate frustration, flirt with rebellion, and mock the mundane — always with a wink and a snarl. Tracks like “Sssikreto,” “Past Is Past, Bitch!,” “This Song Is About You,” “Uh Oh No,” and “Lundagin” have become underground anthems, echoing through Manila’s dive bars and music festivals alike.
Their live performances are a spectacle: gritty, sweaty, and irresistibly fun. Whether tearing up the stage at Fête de la Musique or igniting small club venues, Flying Ipis turns every gig into a full-blown riot — with fans pogoing, shouting, and moshing to every riff.
Beyond the noise, Flying Ipis’s legacy runs deeper. They’ve kicked down doors in a male-dominated genre, paving the way for more women in rock and proving that the punk scene isn’t reserved for sweaty dudes with guitars. Fierce, funny, and infectiously real, Flying Ipis continues to infest — and elevate — the Metro’s music scene, one power chord at a time.
